'Should Be Behind Bars...': Sunil Gavaskar's Former India Teammate's Blunt Take On Yuzvendra Chahal's Vaping Row Goes Viral

Veteran spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has landed in fresh controversy after a video circulated on social media allegedly showed him vaping during a Punjab Kings (PBKS) flight. Former India spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan reacted strongly to the clip and called for strict action, pointing out that vaping is banned in India.

Punjab Kings have enjoyed a strong season in the ongoing Indian Premier League, but Chahal has struggled to make a big impact on the field. Off the field too, he has been in the news recently.

ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma’s Rs 3.25 Crore Watch Nearly Snatched? MI Star's Viral Video Sparks Speculation

The latest issue began after a clip from Arshdeep Singh’s podcast started making rounds online. In the video, Chahal allegedly appears to be trying to hide a vape device while sitting with teammates on a flight. Since e-cigarettes are illegal in India, the video quickly sparked debate on social media.

Sivaramakrishnan also referred to an earlier incident involving Riyan Parag, who was fined 25 per cent of his match fee after allegedly using an e-cigarette in the dressing room during a match against the Punjab Kings. The former spinner felt such punishments were too small to make any real difference.

ALSO READ: Exclusive: Not Iyer, Sanju Samson Emerges As Front-Runner For Suryakumar Yadav's Successor To Lead India In T20Is

Speaking on X, Sivaramakrishnan wrote that vaping is banned in India and questioned why laws are not enforced strictly. He also said that a fine amounting to 25 per cent of match fees means very little for top cricketers and asked what action would have been taken if an ordinary person had done the same thing.

Vape is banned in India. Should be behind bars. What is the point in having Laws and not implementing them. 25% of match fees is peanuts. What if a regular person had done this, What would the action be?

— Laxman Sivaramakrishnan (@LaxmanSivarama1) May 8, 2026

"Vape is banned in India. Should be behind bars. What is the point in having Laws and not implementing them. 25% of match fees is peanuts. What if a regular person had done this, What would the action be?" said Sivaramakrishnan on X.

Yuzvendra Chahal's performance in IPL 2026

As far as Chahal’s performance this season is concerned, the veteran leg-spinner has taken eight wickets in 10 matches so far. He has an average of 35.75 and an economy rate of 9.53. His best spell came against Rajasthan Royals, where he picked up three wickets.

PBKS upcoming IPL outing

Punjab Kings will next face Delhi Capitals at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium on May 11. Led by Shreyas Iyer, the team is currently placed second on the points table with six wins, three losses, and one no-result. A victory in the upcoming match could take Punjab Kings to the top of the standings.